At feathers are unique structures of birds, they form the outer coat of these animals.
They are believed to be an evolution of the scales of the reptiles, O dinosaur archeopteryx is an example of a reptile that already had wings and feathers.
Birds spend a good part of the day cleaning their feathers as these are important structures both for flight and for thermal insulation.
They also help in waterproofing and protecting the body, in addition to providing color characterization, which is an important communication factor between the species.
Not the entire body of birds is covered with feathers, the parts they have are called pteriles and those that do not have them are called apteria.
feather composition
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The main composition of the feathers is the keratin, a lightweight, waterproof compound, as well as the fur, the nails and claws.
feather structure
- Calamus: part that attaches to the bird's skin, it is tubular and hollow;
- Stem: rigid central axis;
- rake: central axis that is the continuation of the rod;
- beards: rachis projections, rigid filaments, always in pairs, one for each side of the rachis;
- Barbulas: smaller beards, protrude from the beards and allow them to stick together.
Types and functions of feathers
Depending on the location of the feathers on the bird's body, it can have a different morphology and function.
- outline feathers: they cover the animal's body, have a long racket and aid in flight. Those in the tail are called rectrices and those in the wings of remiges;
- Semi feathers: intermediate size between contour feathers and plumes;
- plume: they are smaller than the semi feathers and are important for the thermal insulation of the bird's body. Puppies are born only with plumules;
- bristles: modified feathers located around the eyes and mouth, functioning as an organ of touch for birds;
- Philoplumes: very fine feathers and play an important sensory role.
See too:
- the world of spiders
- 10 Oviparous animals - What they are, characteristics and examples
- Carnivorous Animals - What They Are, Characteristics and Examples
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